Aurora and Anna.
5 months ago
Our whole 6-day hike to Mohare Danda, 3300m elevation, was excellent with an all-female power team! Puja was an excellent guide, so super supportive, attentive, and... Read more
Nagarjun hike
Duration
1 Days
Start-End Point
Sight Seeing Tour
Meals
Meals
Grade
Grade 1
Trekking is essentially day hiking and doesn't require any special training. However, good physical condition, a love of walking, and a desire to enjoy mountain views and village life are essential.
Grade 2
These treks are suitable for walkers looking for something more challenging and energetic. Hill-walking experience is desirable, with longer days and higher elevations.
Accommodation
Accommodation
Best Season
April- May, Jun, and Sep-Oct-Nov-Dec
Max Altitude
2095
Group Size
1-15 Pax
Transportation
Transportation
Day Hike Near Kathmandu City – Nagarjun Hike
The Nagarjun hike is situated in Nagarjun National Park, northwest of Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital. This popular trail provides stunning views of Kathmandu Valley and its mountains, as well as diverse plant and animal species thriving in the park. The top of Nagarjun Hike (Jamacho Hill) offers a peaceful and scenic viewpoint with religious and cultural significance. Nagarjuna Peak stands at 2,130 meters (6,981 feet) and is located within Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, just a few kilometers northwest of Kathmandu. The Nagarjuna Peak offers 360-degree views of the Kathmandu Valley, including landmarks like Swayambhunath Stupa, Dharahara (Bhimsen Tower), and Dhulikhel. Many prayer flags are hung with the stupa and the view tower, adding a spiritual touch.
Moreover, the Nagarjuna Peak offers a welcoming environment with the facility of a small tea shop for tea and snacks, with an enjoyable viewpoint. They also have bottled water if needed and some locally grown fruits. The Nagarjun hike is entirely in the forest,t so trekkers don’t have to worry too much about sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, etc. But would recommend a good bug repellent as there are a lot of gnats flying around our faces. These gnats do not harm or cause any infection, but create disturbance during hiking hours.
Hiking Experience
The journey from Thamel to Phulbari Gate takes just 15 minutes by car. The Nagarjun hike is relatively short, typically taking 3-4 hours to complete, making it suitable for hikers of all fitness levels. The trail is well-marked, featuring several rest stops where hikers can pause to admire the scenic vistas. The trail winds through dense forests with oak, bamboo, rhododendron, pine, and diverse flora. You might see wild boars and colorful prayer flags along the path, creating a picturesque setting in Shivapuri National Park. The area teems with wildlife like wild boar, deer, tigers, monkeys, and various bird species, enhancing the hiking experience with natural biodiversity.
The initial ascent involves steep trails marked with stairs, leading to an open ground about 30 minutes into the Nagarjun hike. The trail then eases, offering a more gradual climb amidst the cooling forest ambiance, where the summit of Jamacho becomes visible from the first viewpoint of the valley. This hike is much more fruitful for trekkers who are in good physical shape, and those who want a break from the city and the chance to breathe fresh air. This hike also test the stamina for those who want to train for an upcoming trek like Ghorepani trek, Everest base camp trek, and Pikey peak trek.
Attractions in Nagarjuna National Park
In addition to the hiking trail, Nagarjun Hill offers other attractions, including Nagarjun Palace, a historical site that once served as a royal palace. Situated near Shivapuri National Park, the area also provides additional trekking opportunities. The Nagarjun hike stands out among Kathmandu Valley’s various hiking destinations due to its popularity and accessibility. It’s just a short drive from Thamel to Phulbari Gate, followed by an ascent to the summit. For travelers seeking a quick nature escape near Kathmandu, the Nagarjun hike stands out. On clear days, it offers panoramic views of Kathmandu city and the majestic Langtang Himalayan range, including the Annapurna range.
History and Culture
They renamed Jamacho Hill to Nagarjun Hill after Sadhu Nagarjuna, an Indian Baba who meditated there for five years. Nagarjuna, a revered Indian Buddhist philosopher of the 2nd century CE, propagated the doctrine of emptiness (shunyata) and founded the Madhyamika (“Middle Way”) school of Mahayana Buddhism. Nagarjun Hill remains an excellent spot for meditation, offering a serene environment amidst Kathmandu’s bustle. The hike is immensely popular among Nepalese hikers, student groups, families, and college students, with Buddhist pilgrims visiting on full moon days for worship. Moreover, many Buddhists come here to pray or meditate before they die.
Jamacho Jatra
Jamacho Jatra is a ritualistic festival that is enjoyed in Nepal’s Kathmandu Valley and is more closely identified with Jamacho Gumba, a holy place that is found on top of Jamacho hill in Shivapuri Naagarjun National Park. It is a festival that is of great religious and cultural significance to both Buddhists and local Newars.
The festival has legendary origins that the Buddha once meditated at the site where Jamacho Gumba now stands, rendering it a revered pilgrimage destination. During Jamacho Jatra, devotees undertake a challenging hike through the dense forests of the national park to reach the hill’s summit, where the monastery is situated. This pilgrimage symbolizes a journey towards spiritual enlightenment and is an expression of devotion and reverence. During Jamacho Jatra, devotees undertake a challenging hike through the dense forests of the national park to reach the hill’s summit, where the monastery is situated. This pilgrimage symbolizes a journey towards spiritual enlightenment and is an expression of devotion and reverence.
Jamacho Jatra typically occurs during the full moon day of the month of Chaula (April). It coincides with other local festivals like Balaju Purnima too. It is a time for lots of religious practices, like ritual and procession that tell us volumes about this places rich heritage.
Best time to visit the Nagarjun Hike (Jamacho hill)
The best time to hike Nagarjun (Jamacho hill) is any day except Saturday. On Saturdays, the Nagarjun trail hike becomes overcrowded as it is the only weekend day for Nepalese. Thousands of people often visit the park, creating noise and disturbance for trekkers. Choosing any other day offers a quieter, more peaceful experience, allowing you to fully enjoy the serenity of this one-day hike.
You can enjoy this hike year-round, but in June and July, check the weather forecast to avoid all-day rain. For the best experience, start your hike between 7 AM and 10 AM to avoid the midday heat, enjoy the clearest views, and spot birds and animals along the trail.
What does the Nagarjun hike include?
The Nagarjun hike includes:
-
Transportation: Private vehicle transfers to and from the trailhead.
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Permits: Entry fees for Nagarjun hike.
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Guide Service: An experienced, government-licensed trekking guide and porters for bags.
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Snacks and Water: Light refreshments to keep you energized, like a packed lunch, mineral water for drinking,g etc.
- Nature Experience: Opportunities to spot wildlife, including birds and small mammals.
- After the Kathmandu sightseeing, this hike poses an incredible journey for refreshment from a busy city for a day.
Note: Optional hikes close to Kathmandu are (Shivapuri National Park), (Nagarkot Sunrise view), (Champa Devi Hike).
If you want to capture more wildlife, visit Chitwan National Park, Nepal’s first national park. It hosts over 50 mammal species, more than 525 bird species, and 55 types of amphibians and reptiles. Closer to Kathmandu, you can explore Langtang National Park and Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park for additional wildlife experiences.
Itinerary (1 Days)
Trip Duration: Full Day (6–7 hours)
Highest Elevation: 2,128 m / 6,982 ft
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours round trip
Driving Time: 30–40 minutes each way from Kathmandu
Morning: Drive to Nagarjun National Park Entrance
7:00 AM – Hotel Pickup and Drive to Fulbari Gate
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kathmandu and drive approximately 12 kilometers northwest to the Fulbari Gate entrance of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. This protected forest is home to diverse flora and fauna, including birds, deer, and monkeys.
7:45 AM – Begin the Hike
After completing park entry formalities, start your uphill hike through dense oak and pine forest. The trail is well-maintained and shaded, making it a pleasant escape from the city.
Mid-Morning: Forest Walk and Panoramic Views
As you ascend, enjoy peaceful surroundings and occasional viewpoints overlooking the Kathmandu Valley. Birdwatchers will appreciate the rich biodiversity of the national park, while nature lovers can enjoy the fresh mountain air and tranquil environment.
Midday: Reach Jamacho Monastery (Nagarjun Summit)
10:30 AM – Arrive at Jamacho Monastery
Reach Jamacho Monastery, situated at the summit of Nagarjun Hill at 2,128 meters. The monastery is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site and offers spectacular views of the Kathmandu Valley, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Manaslu, and even Mount Everest on exceptionally clear days.
Lunch Break
Enjoy a packed lunch or snacks while taking in the serene atmosphere and mountain views from the summit.
Afternoon: Explore and Descend
Spend time exploring the monastery, spinning prayer wheels, and enjoying the peaceful setting before beginning your descent through the forest.
1:00 PM – Start Descending
Retrace your steps back to the Fulbari Gate, enjoying a final immersion in the natural beauty of the national park.
Cost Included
- Transportation
- guide
- entrance permit
- pack lunch
Cost Excluded
- tips for guide and porter.
Frequently Asked Question
If you cannot find answer to your question in our FAQ, you can always contact us. We will answer to you shortly!!
Is there a restaurant or teahouse at Nagarjun Hike?
There are no restaurants at Nagarjun Hike due to restrictions on settlement within the National Park. However, there is a tea shop available. Packed lunches are provided by your guide and assistant.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Nagarjun hike Reviews
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